I dare to love thee

As the billow flings shells on the shore,

As the sun poureth light on the sea...

As a lark on the wing scatters song to the spring,

So rushes my love to thee,

As the ivy clings close to the tower,

As the dew lieth deep in a flower,

As the shadow to light, as the day unto night,

So clings my wild soul to thee!

As the moon glitters coldly alone,

Above earth on her cloud-woven throne,

As the rocky-bound cave repulses a wave,

So thy anger repulses me.

As the bitter black frost of a night

Slays the roses with pitiless might,

As a sharp dagger-thrust hurls a king to the dust,

So thy cruelty murdereth me.

Yet in spite of thy queenly disdain,

Thou art seared by my passion and pain.

Thou shalt hear me repeat,

Till I die for it sweet!

I love thee! I love thee! I love thee!

I dare to love thee! To love...